Polo Match Raises $80K For SUNY Old Westbury

The State University of New York (SUNY) College at Old Westbury hosted its 10th Annual Summer Polo Match and Lawn Party in late June at Hickox Field in Old Westbury. The championship polo tradition raised more than $80,000 in funds to support academic and programmatic enhancements at the college, while also honoring those who advocate for the preservation of Long Island’s open spaces. Over 700 residents came out to support the college and take in the sights on a beautiful summer day.

New York Islanders Hold Ice Girls Tryouts at Iceworks

Every hockey fan likes to think their favorite team is special, but the New York Islanders can boast that they were the first team in the NHL to introduce the Ice Girls: a dedicated team of skaters who present the team’s flag at every game. On Saturday, Aug. 6, 24 female skaters headed to Iceworks Syosset on Underhill Boulevard to try out for one of only 10 spots on the 2011-2012 Ice Girls team.

With the exception of one lockout season (2004-2005), the Ice Girls have been part of the show at Islanders’ games since the 2001-2002 season. In addition to presenting the Islanders flag at every game, Ice Girls keep the ice clean during games, and perform an additional routine when the team wins. The girls must be over 18 with strong skating skills, capable of skating backwards as well as doing lunges, spirals, t-stops and power crossovers.

Old Westbury Gardens Hosting LI Scottish Festival and Highland Games

This perennially popular festival returns to Old Westbury Gardens on Saturday, Aug. 27 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The many events and attractions include:

•The Highland Games, including Caber Toss, Putting the Stone and Tossing the Sheaf.

•Kids’ events and entertainment, including Caber Toss, Races, Tug-of-War, Pony Rides, Storytelling, Face-painting, Petting Zoo, Bert the Raccoon, Dog Agility Exhibits and much more.

North Hempstead Introduces American Flag Rugby Program at Caemmerer Park

With sports programs in many schools being eliminated or whittled down due to deep cuts in aid to Long Island schools, Supervisor Jon Kaiman and the North Hempstead Town Board announced last week the introduction of a co-ed American flag rugby program at Caemmerer Park in Albertson. The program, intended for children K-12, runs through June and July and features Saturday morning tournaments.

“Introducing non-contact flag rugby to youngsters give them a lifelong sport they can take with them anywhere in the world,” said Alan Whelan, the program’s founder and coordinator and the coach of the Long Island Colts. “In light of budgetary cuts, many schools are introducing rugby because it’s less expensive to outfit the kids in uniforms,” Whelan said.

Rozalia Project Visits OB Collects Underwater Debris

The Rozalia project came to the WaterFront Center for two days, June 30 and July 1, on their mission to help clean the world’s waterways, oceans, and all bodies of water it can reach.

They were there to share with kids in the WFC summer programs to help educate people about how they can protect and preserve our oceans and other bodies of water.

Westbury’s Jenney Tesoriero Scores in 5K Run

Congratulations to 40-year-old Jenney Tesoriero, of Westbury, who took third-place honors among the women in the 40-44 age group in the 8th annual Heart & Sole 5-Kilometer through the streets of Plainview on July 10.

Tesoriero crossed the finish line at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School in 22 minutes, 49 seconds.

Islanders, Uncertainties Aside, Ready to Compete in 2011-2012

Head Coach Capuano: Fans Want a Hard-Working Team

While the future of the New York Islanders’ franchise might be on thin ice, it was business as usual for head coach Jack Capuano at the team’s annual prospects mini-camp at the Nassau Coliseum on July 14.

Nassau County residents, who will have the chance to approve a $400 million bond on Aug. 1 to finance a new arena for the team, could possibly help remedy some of the uncertainty. Team owner Charles Wang publicly stated it’s unlikely the Islanders will remain in Uniondale beyond 2015 – when the current building lease expires – if a new arena isn’t approved.

CPHS Varsity Softball Lady Frogs Enjoy Best Record in History

The 2011 Carle Place Varity Softball Team posted the best overall record since the program began in 1997, with an overall record of 19-3-1 and 14-0 in league play. The season was a success: Class B/C Conference Champions, Class B County Championships and Class B Long Island Champions.

The Lady Frogs were ranked ninth in the state for “B” schools. In 15 varsity seasons, the Lady Frogs have captured five conference championships, eight county championships, four Long Island championships and one Final Four at appearance at States.

Westbury Track Athletes Receive Scholarships

Congratulations to Owen Skeete and Tiara Mitchell, two of Westbury High School’s track athletes, for earning athletic scholarships as a result of their outstanding accomplishments. Skeete earned a scholarship to the University of Indiana, while Mitchell earned a scholarship to the University of New Haven.

Westbury LL Seniors Win 2nd Straight Colt Division Championship

Westbury Little League’s seniors won their second straight Colt Division Championship with a resounding 15-1 victory over division rival, Plainview, at the East Meadow complex on Monday, June 27. 

Westbury, coached by Ralph Davis, Lou Mejica and Matt Alford, savored this win as it concluded a solid season with just one loss to this same Plainview team earlier in the season.